SL Navy celebrates 75th anniversary
The UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka pledged full support to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister to assist in rebuilding the country after the devastation caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’.
UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Marc-Andre Franche has given the assurance during a meeting with Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister – Vijitha Herath at the Ministry yesterday (Dec. 08).
In a strong show of solidarity, the UN announced an immediate allocation of USD 4.5 million under its Rapid Response Fund to assist communities affected by the disaster. The symbolic handover of this emergency aid took place during the meeting.
The funds are intended to support immediate life-saving assistance for the affected communities, including addressing needs in food security, health, water and sanitation, shelter, and early recovery efforts.
A five-member team from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has arrived in Sri Lanka to conduct a detailed assessment of needs following the severe flooding and landslides caused by the cyclone. He also stated that he hopes to work with the Disaster Management Centre for all these activities.
Minister Herath pointed out that the reconstruction process requires continuous international support due to the impact of the disaster on all sectors including the country’s population, economy, and agriculture. In response, the UN Resident Coordinator stated that he will work closely with the UN offices in New York and Geneva to mobilize global partners and resources for Sri Lanka’s recovery.
